Sunday, September 2, 2012

Well, the new school year is in full swing! I must say I have such a sweet bunch again this year. I feel like I am always blessed with the children that are just right for me. I can't wait to learn more about each one of them as the school year goes on. Below, I have finally posted my final set-up of my classroom this year. I LOVE it and the kids do too :)

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Where in the world did the time go?? I can't believe it's been over a month since I last blogged! Can you tell I have been busy, busy, busy?? Well, just to update: I moved classrooms! I was NOT expecting to move this year, so I had to get my tail in gear and pack all my things in my old room...and then I played the waiting game for a week until the previous teacher finished moving out. Needless to say, I am ALMOST finished with my new room. I am really excited because I have so much more room, a loft, and my Smart Board was just installed :) I feel like I hit the teacher jackpot!! I will post a few pictures of the hurricane I walked into...﻿

YES, those are chalkboards!

My sweet hubby is always willing to help!

Ahhhhhh!!!

Now, when I am completely finished I will post pictures so you can smile with me :)

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Since summer is in full swing and I will not dare step foot in the 100+ degree weather I have had plenty of time to do things I love...CRAFTS!My husband and I purchased our first home 2 weeks before Christmas and in the middle of my first year teacher (were we nuts or what??) so I've really been able to decorate the rooms in more detail lately. One fun thing to know about me is I LOVE peacocks! Their colors are so beautiful and I've always wanted to incorporate my love for them in our bedroom. I started by finding one piece I really loved and decorated my whole bedroom around that piece. I recently created a project to place in my room. Check it out!

1. I began wrapping the yarn around my 'C' cardboard letter. [This is a very tedious step. You may want to stop and hot glue every so often to assure the yarn will stay in place]2. Once the yarn is wrapped completely around your letter you can begin adding your embellishments. I chose to use a peacock feather. I simply glued it in place on the side. Below is my end result. Cute or what??

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

I LOVE me some Pete the Cat!! The author, Eric Litwin, came to the Hoover Library yesterday and I just had to go. Despite being the only adult without kids there (come on I did this for my class) it was so much fun! I can't wait for my students to read his messages inside the books. Pete the Cat is ALWAYS a hit with my classes, so I highly recommend you getting the series! He has 3 books now, but Pete the Cat Saves Christmas is coming out Septemeber 25th YAY!!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Well, the 2012 MidSouth conference did NOT disappoint!! It was absolutely fabulous! On Day 1 we had the honor of meeting the children's author, Jerry Pallotta. He spoke to us about about how he became an author...and would you believe it was because a teacher once told him how important it was to read to his children nightly??? After reading so many great children's book he decided to write his own, and WOW am I glad! I got his books "How Will I Get to School" and "Dory Story," both are must haves!

Jerry and I :)

On Day 2 we had the pleasure of hearing Peter Johnston ALL day!! He is such an inspiration to education! He reminded me how teachers have such a huge impact in children. He asked a question that really had me thinking "What do you want the students to take with them at the end of the year?" Fellow teachers and I said we wanted them to be confident, independent, problem solvers, and much more. I decided I wanted to rephrase this question to my upcoming parents this year! I really want to know where they want their children, and I will fulfill that to the best of my ability! If ever you get a chance to hear Peter Johnston take it!! He won't disappoint and will leave you simply inspired.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Hello all!
I have been enjoying every moment of my summer!! It's amazing the things you can get done...cleaning, yard work, doctor appointments. It's been great! On top of that I started a little part time job for the summer working as a reception at my hairstylist's salon. If anyone knows me you will know I needed to do sonethig because I can't sit at the home...I'd go crazy! I'll post a new picture of my new "do" that I'm so in love with. It wasn't long enough to give it to locks of love again, but I sure needed the healthy cut!

Next week I will be attending the Mid-South Reading & Writing Institute. I'm excited to see Peter Johnston! If you are a teacher and haven't read his book, Choice Words, it's a MUST!! After the conference my mind is going to get back in the "school zone" and I'm going to get organized :) Is it crazy that I'm excited about that??

I'll keep you posted on the conference!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

As a teacher I am constantly thinking of new things to do in my classroom. Summer time means I can begin creating new things for my upcoming class (already so excited to meet them) Since last year was my first year, my main goal was to survive...while teaching my precious 20 students of course :) So my goal for the summer was to create a blog! I'm so excited to start this new adventure!

About Me

Hi! My name is Samantha Coats and I am a Kindergarten teacher in Alabama! I LOVE what I do and would not trade it for anything! I am happily married to a wonderful man and we have 3 fur-babies named Bama, Belle and Leo!